Astronomy Multimedia Facility for Oporto University

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Location
Oporto, Portugal
Project
1996
Completion
1997
Client
University of Oporto
Scope of Services
Architecture/Engineering Design
Contract Documents
Construction Administration
Gross Floor Area
1,600 sf
Construction Cost
Confidential
Program
Exhibition space, auditorium and reading area

The Astrophysics Center of the University in Porto asked the firm to design the new Astronomy Multimedia Facility in response to the growing interest by the general public in the research and didactic activities of the Center.
The ambitious design brief focused on showcasing some of the sophisticated equipment and “exposing“ the researchers’ daily work while providing the visitors with some exciting hands-on experience.

The firm developed and later put in production an innovative partition system combining high-quality traditional materials with digital design and fabrication technology, resulting in a patented system of freestanding, movable elements changing the size of each area according to necessity.

The center has no corridors, allowing circulation to occur throughout the common areas. This is a perfect example in design of flexible workplaces that can respond quickly and easily to changes in working practices, communications and information technology.